Once again the Carmel Arts & Design District once again has “go to the dogs” during its annual fundraiser to benefit the Humane Society for Hamilton County. From noon to 5 p.m., Dog Day Afternoon will host more than 2,000 animal lovers and their furry friends for an afternoon of shopping and entertainment in a pet-friendly, festival atmosphere. This a day when pet owners and their canine companions can explore inclusive activities such as pooch paw painting, micro-chipping, pet photography and fashion shows for humans and pets alike.
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November 19, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Several new attractions have been added to the Dog Day Afternoon experience. The art typically found in the District’s galleries will spill into the streets through public displays by local woodworking artisan Israel Rodriguez. His life-sized dog silhouettes, each custom-designed and hand-painted by local artists, and will be featured in front of participating shops and galleries and at the silent auction. In other public displays this year, Lois Wyant of Wyant Photography and Ami Gallery will showcase pet portraits from her annual Cute Tails contest, and Magdalena Gallery of Art will feature student-created dog portraits in the style of artist Gustavo Rosa.
Pet-inspired art also will be on display at Dog Day Afternoon. The Great Frame Up is sponsoring “Sketch-a-Pet,” a drawing competition for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Leading up to the event, participating students created works of art that will be displayed at The Great Frame Up during the event. Winners in each grade level will receive custom framing and will be announced during the Gallery Walk on this Mid Sept afternoon.
Other District businesses also plan to feature special activities and promotions for Dog Day Afternoon crowds, such as a signature fashion show, which spotlights fall designs for women and men worn by models walking rescue dogs. Fashions will be provided by Mary & Martha’s Exceedingly Chic Boutique, Artisan Masterpiece, Pillowtalk, Accent Details, In Vogue, Maurices and Jos. A. Bank.
Another event favorite is the silent auction, which will include a wide variety of items totaling more than $3,000, including dinner from Serendipity Tea Room and Café; wine tasting from Ferrin’s Fruit Winery; a photography package from Wyant Photography; a treat basket from Simply Sweet Shoppe; artwork from the Blue Egg Art Gallery; glass art created by Pam Niccum; a one-night stay at Old Towne Bed and Breakfast; and two weeks free boarding at Club Canine Doggie Daycare. For a complete listing, visit the Dog Day Afternoon Web site at http://www.CarmelDogDayAfternoon.com.
Shopping is another cornerstone of Dog Day Afternoon – in addition to the distinctive boutiques and shops of the District, the event will bring 90 vendors to Old Town Carmel for the event. Those searching for the perfect gift for their four-footed friend can peruse distinctive accessories, toys and training tools from vendors like Best Friends Pet Care, Camp Bow Wow, DogDayz Playhouse and Retreat, Doggie Delights, Hair of the Dog, Moochie & Co., Pet Lovers Organic Baker, Spotted Dog Studio and many others.
But the showcase of Dog Day Afternoon is the Puppy Parade. With a $10 donation to the Humane Society for Hamilton County, the first 75 dogs entered can promenade with their owners and compete for awards including Best Look-Alike, Best Dressed and K-9 Congeniality.
“After raising $9,000 at last year’s debut Dog Day Afternoon, we’re excited to host this fundraiser for the Humane Society for Hamilton County again in 2009,” said Sherry Mielke of the Carmel Arts & Design District. “Not only is it a fun way to support a worthy organization that does so much for companion animals in our community, it provides an opportunity for many people to enjoy a beautiful day outside with their pet in a secure, dog-friendly environment.”
Although Dog Day Afternoon is free, all participants are required to register on the day of the event. The first 1,000 registered will receive a doggy bag of coupons and other items at the registration table. Pet owners are fully responsible for the behavior of their pets.
Parking is available in the Carmel Lions Club lot, the Indiana Design Center underground parking garage, and along various streets. Food, merchants, artists, rescue groups and other event activities will line north Range Line Road.
Update: In December the Carmel Arts & Design District host “Holiday in the Arts District” on Saturday, December 12th, 5-10 pm. This is an evenings of culture and art. Visit the Gallery Association web page at http://www.carmelartsanddesign.com/FEATURES/galleryassociation/index.html for more details on this event!
There are more exciting events coming up this holiday season in Carmel Arts & Design District – For more information about Carmel Arts & Design District events, merchants or galleries, visit http://www.carmelartsanddesign.com or call 317.571.ARTS (2787).